Raglan tops are a wardrobe essential thanks to their sporty styling, comfortable fit, and easy movement. They're also an excellent project for sewists looking to build confidence with knit fabrics, offering a straightforward construction process and professional-looking results. Whether you're sewing activewear, casual basics, or layering pieces, a raglan top is a versatile garment you'll reach for often.
The Winslet's Frankie Raglan High Neck Top Sewing Pattern features a fitted bodycon silhouette with raglan short sleeves and a high neckline. Designed for lightweight knit fabrics and suitable for very easy skill levels, this pattern is ideal for creating a comfortable everyday top with clean, ready-to-wear finishes.
Why Sew a Raglan High Neck Top?
- Create a versatile everyday top with a sleek bodycon fit.
- Learn essential knit garment construction using raglan sleeves.
- Practice sewing with stretch fabrics using overlock and coverstitch finishes.
- Sew a comfortable high neckline that layers well throughout the year.
- Make a practical wardrobe staple suitable for casual wear, layering, or active lifestyles.
Why Choose the Winslet's Frankie Raglan High Neck Top Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
- Design Features: High-neck bodycon top with raglan short sleeves.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin sewing:
- Lightweight knit fabric with 30–50% stretch
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (or use a zigzag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or use a twin needle, narrow zigzag stitch, or straight stitch with a looser thread setting)
- Sewing needles suitable for knit fabrics
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Pins
- Iron
- Tape measure
- Fabric marking chalk
Fabric Recommendations
The Frankie Raglan High Neck Top is designed for lightweight knit fabrics with 30–50% stretch, including:
- Cotton jersey
- Cotton spandex jersey
- Modal jersey
- Poly jersey
- 1×1 rib knit
- Bamboo jersey
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made from poly single jersey fabric.
Poly single jersey is recommended because it offers:
- Soft drape
- Smooth, wrinkle-resistant texture
- Breathable and comfortable to wear
- Easy sewing with ballpoint needles
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Note: This garment is designed with negative ease for a close-fitting bodycon silhouette.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces before cutting your fabric:
- A. Front — Cut 1 fabric
- B. Back — Cut 1 fabric
- C. Sleeve — Cut 2 fabric
If you're printing the pattern at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern.
If you're printing at a copy shop, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
Transfer all pattern markings before cutting and sewing. The Frankie Raglan High Neck Top includes the following markings:
- Grainlines
- Neckline
- Front armhole
- Back armhole
- Armholes
- Side seams
- Hem
- Seam allowance markings
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams before cutting, ensuring every grainline runs parallel to the fabric selvage for accurate cutting.
Separate cutting layouts are provided for 45-inch and 60-inch-wide fabrics. The layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics. If you're using fabric with a nap or directional print, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the layout. The sewing guide uses US size 26 as the example layout.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, positioning each grainline arrow parallel to the fabric selvage before pinning the pieces in place.
If you're using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Remove any pen, pencil, or chalk lines as you cut, and clip all notches carefully to help align the garment accurately during assembly.
Transfer all pattern markings, including circles, buttonholes, fold lines, and the center front marking, to the wrong side of the fabric using a marking pen, pencil, or chalk before sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around.
- 3 cm (1¼") seam allowance at the neckline.
- 2.5 cm (1") hem allowance at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Assemble the Raglan Bodice
1a. Place one sleeve on the front bodice with right sides together, aligning the front raglan seam. Sew along the raglan seam.
1b. Repeat Step 1a for the second sleeve on the opposite side of the front bodice.
1c. Place the back bodice onto one sleeve with right sides together, aligning the back raglan seam. Sew along the seam.
1d. Repeat Step 1c for the remaining sleeve and back bodice seam.
1e. Finish all raglan seam allowances using a serger or a zigzag stitch.
1f. Press the seam allowances toward the sleeves for a smooth finish.
1g. Your raglan bodice is now fully assembled and ready for the side seams.
2. Sew the Side Seams
Place the front and back of the top right sides together, aligning the side seams and the underarm seams. Sew continuously from the sleeve hem to the bottom hem on both sides.
Finish the seam allowances using a serger or a suitable stretch stitch, then press them toward the back.
3. Finish the Hem and Sleeve Hems
3a. Fold the bottom hem toward the wrong side using the hem allowance provided in the pattern. Press the fold in place.
3b. Coverstitch or twin-needle stitch the bottom hem to secure it.
3c. Fold each sleeve hem toward the wrong side using the hem allowance provided in the pattern.
3d. Coverstitch or twin-needle stitch each sleeve hem to complete the sleeve finish.
4. Finish the High Neckline
4a. Fold the neckline toward the wrong side along the neckline seam allowance and press carefully.
4b. Coverstitch around the neckline, stretching the fabric slightly as needed to maintain the shape of the neck opening.
4c. Give the entire garment a final press, ensuring the neckline, raglan seams, sleeve hems, and bottom hem lie smoothly. Your Frankie Raglan High Neck Top is now complete.
Ready to Sew Your Own Raglan High Neck Top?
The Frankie Raglan High Neck Top Sewing Pattern is a quick and rewarding project that's perfect for building a handmade wardrobe of comfortable everyday essentials. With its fitted bodycon silhouette, sporty raglan short sleeves, and clean high neckline, this pattern offers a modern look while introducing beginner-friendly knit sewing techniques.
Whether you're making it as a standalone top or a versatile layering piece, the Frankie Raglan High Neck Top is a project you'll enjoy sewing and wearing. Download the Frankie Raglan High Neck Top Sewing Pattern today and create a stylish knit top with a professional finish.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Top Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade tops, from everyday basics and activewear to statement pieces that you can sew for every season.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Frankie Raglan High Neck Top Sewing Pattern on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
